Chapter 1

Matter and Energy

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 Questions for Consideration
1. What characteristics distinguish different
types of matter?
2. What are some properties of matter?
3. What is energy and how does it differ from
matter?
4. What approaches do scientists use to answer
these and other questions?

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 Chapter 1 Topics:
1. Matter and Its Classification
2. Physical and Chemical Changes and
Properties of Matter
3. Energy and Energy Changes
4. Scientific Inquiry

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 Chapter 1 Math Toolboxes : 1

1.1 Scientific Notation

• Also called exponential notation
1.2 Significant Figures
1.3 Units and Conversions

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 1.1 Matter and Its Classification
Matter is anything that occupies
space and has mass.

Forms of energy are NOT matter.

Heat and light, for example, do
not occupy space and have no
mass.

Consider the different forms of

matter and energy in this
picture.

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 Activity: Classifying Matter
What objects in your chemistry classroom that
are related to chemistry?
If you were asked to classify these objects, what
categories might you use to group similar
objects together?
Why group these similar items together? What
makes them similar? What makes other objects
different?

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 Composition of Matter 1

We classify matter so
that we can understand
it better.
• One way to classify
matter is as pure
substances or mixtures.

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 Composition of Matter 2

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 Pure Substances 1

Pure Substances:
• have the same
composition
throughout, and from
sample to sample.
• can be further
classified as either
elements or
compounds.

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 Pure Substances 2

Have uniform, or the same, chemical composition

throughout and from sample to sample.
Two kinds of pure substances
• Elements
• An element is a substance that cannot be broken down
into simpler substances even by a chemical reaction.
• Elements are separated further into metals and
nonmetals.
• Compounds
• A compound is a substance composed of two or more
elements combined in definite proportions.
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 Elements
An element is a substance that cannot be broken
down into simpler substances even by a
chemical reaction.
All known elements are organized on the
periodic table.

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 The Periodic Table
Figure 1.3

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 Pure Substances 3

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 Activity: Classification of Matter
Identify the nonmetals. Explain the characteristics
you considered in making your decision.
Figure 1.4

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education (Phosphorus, Bromine, Nickel, Lead, Aluminum, Sulfer & Tin): ©McGraw-
 Activity Solution: Classification of Matter 1

Metals can be distinguished from nonmetals by the

luster and ability to conduct electricity.
• Since we do not know how each of the elements conducts
electricity, we need to use luster as our measure.
• Nonmetals are usually dull, with the exception of carbon (as
diamond). Elements that are gases at room temperature are
also nonmetals.

Figure 1.4
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 Activity Solution: Classification of Matter 2

Identify the nonmetals. Phosphorus, bromine,

carbon, and sulfur. Figure 1.4

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 Elements and Their Symbols 1

Element symbols often consist of one or two letters of

the element’s name.
Examples: carbon: C calcium: Ca
How do we explain that Fe is the symbol for iron?
TABLE 1.1 Symbols of Selected Elements
English Original Symbol English Original Symbol
Name Name Name Name

copper cuprum Cu potassium kalium K

gold aurum Au silver argentum Ag

iron ferrum Fe sodium natrium Na

lead plumbum Pb tin stannum Sn
mercury hydrargyrum Hg tungsten wolfram W
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 Elements and Their Symbols 2

Know the names and symbols of the most common

elements indicated.

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 Atoms
Matter is composed Figure 1.8
of atoms.
• An atom is the
smallest unit of an
element that retains
the chemical
properties of that
element.

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 Atoms and Molecules
Atoms can be found combined
together in molecules.
• Molecules are composed of two
or more atoms bound together
in a discrete arrangement. Figure 1.11
• The atoms bound together in a
molecule can be from the same
element or from different
elements.

Figure from p. 21
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 Compounds 1

A compound is a pure substance composed of two or

more elements combined chemically in definite
proportions.
A compound has properties that are different from
those of its component elements.
Figure 1.5

Compound: Iron pyrite, Fe2S3 Mixture of Elements: Iron (Fe) and Sulfur (S)
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 Water, H2O, Is a Compound
Water, H2O, can be Figure 1.2
broken down by a
chemical process,
known as electrolysis, to
its elements H2 and O2.
The hydrogen (left) and
oxygen (right) can be
seen bubbling to the top
of the tubes.
Jump to long description
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©Think©McGraw-Hill Education/Stephen Frischstock/Getty
 Compounds 2

Pure sand is the Figure 1.1

compound silicon
dioxide, which has
the formula SiO2.
What does the
formula tell us about
the combination of
elements in this
compound?

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 Activity: Elements and Compounds
Identify each of the following as an element or
compound.
1. He element
2. H2O compound
3. sodium chloride compound
4. copper element

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 Mixtures
A mixture is a combination of two or more
elements or compounds.
Mixtures differ from pure compounds in that
their components can be separated by physical
processes.
Examples:
• Pencil lead
• Salt water
• Air
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 Salt Being Separated by Evaporation
Salt water is a mixture. Figure 1.6

Salt and water can be

separated by the
process of evaporation,
which is physical
process.

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 Mixtures
Mixtures can be
further classified as
homogeneous and
heterogeneous.
Homogeneous
mixtures have the
same composition
throughout.
Heterogeneous
mixtures do not.
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 Activity: Mixtures
Classify each of the following mixtures as
homogeneous or heterogeneous:
•Salt water homogeneous*
•Lake water homogeneous*
•Tap water homogeneous
•Air homogeneous*
•Brass (an alloy of Cu and Zn) homogeneous
•Potting soil heterogeneous
•Cake mix heterogeneous
*depends on presence or absence of suspended solids

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 Classification of Matter

Figure 1.7
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 Representations of Matter
Macroscopic – we can see with our eyes
Molecular level – a magnification to a level that
shows atoms
Symbolic – shorthand using element symbols
Atom – the smallest unit of an element;
represented as single sphere.
Molecule – two or more bound atoms

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 Macroscopic and Molecular-Level
Representations of Matter – Copper
Tubing and Copper Atoms

Figure 1.8
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 Molecular-Level Representations of
Matter – Helium Atoms

Figure 1.9
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 Activity: Molecular-Level
Representations
Does this image
represent atoms or
molecules?
Molecules

Is this an element,
compound, or mixture?
Element
Figure 1.11

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 Molecular-Level Representations of
Matter – Water Molecules

Figure 1.10
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 Different Ways to Represent Water

Figure 1.12
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 Activity: Classification
Classify each of the following as an element,
compound, or mixture.

Compound Element Mixture of

elements

Figure from p. 49

Mixture of
element and Mixture of
compound compounds
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 States of Matter 1

A different way to classify matter is by its

physical state: solid, liquid, or gas.
• What are the macroscopic properties of each?
• How do the atoms and molecules of solids, liquids,
and gases behave differently?

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 States of Matter 2

TABLE 1.2 Characteristics of the Physical States of Matter

Solid Liquid Gas

fixed shape shape of container (may or shape of container (fills

may not fill it) it)
its own volume its own volume volume of container

no volume change under slight volume change under large volume change
pressure pressure under pressure
particles are fixed in place particles are randomly particles are widely
and tend to be in a regular arranged and free to move separated and move
(crystalline) array about until they bump into independently of one
one another another

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 Activity: States of Matter
Discuss the following Figure 1.14

questions:
• How does a solid differ
from a liquid?
• How does a gas differ
from a liquid?
• How does a solid differ
from a gas?

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 Gases can be compressed

Figure 1.15
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 Water vapor condenses from the air
onto the cold surface of the glass.

Figure 1.16
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 Symbols Used in Chemistry 1

Elemental symbols
• are a shorthand version of an element’s longer
name
• can be 1-2 letters and can be derived from the Latin
or Greek name [example Ag]
Chemical formulas
• describe the composition of a compound
• use the symbols for the elements in that compound
[example H2O and CO2]
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 Symbols Used in Chemistry 2

Symbols for physical states

• are found in parenthesis by the elemental symbol or
chemical formula
• designate the physical state
(example solid, liquid, gas, aqueous)
TABLE 1.3 Symbols for Physical States
Physical State Symbol Example (bromine)
solid (s) Br2(s)
liquid (l) Br2(l)
gas (g) Br2(g)
aqueous (aq) Br2(aq)

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 Symbols Used in Chemistry 3

Name Symbol
helium He(g)
chlorine Cl2(g)
silver Ag(s)
water H2O(l)
carbon dioxide CO2(g)

methane CH4(g)
(natural gas)

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 1.2 Physical and Chemical Changes
and Properties of Matter
A physical property is a characteristic that we can observe
without changing the composition of a substance.
Examples
• qualitative properties
• Color
• Odor
• quantitative properties
• Mass
• Volume
• Density
• Temperature
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 Units and Conversions
(See Math Toolbox 1.3)
Metric Base Units and Derived Units
• Length: meter (m)
• Mass: kilogram (kg)
• Time: second (s)
• Temperature: kelvins (K)
• Number of particles: mole (mol)

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 Mass 1

Mass:
• measures the quantity of matter
• is essentially the same physical quantity as weight,
with the exception that weight is bound by gravity,
mass is not
• common units are grams (g)

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 Mass 2

We usually measure the mass of

an object by weighing it on a
balance.
The mass of a salt crystal is
about 50 mg.
How many milligrams in a gram?
1000 mg = 1 g
The average mass of a
person is about 70 kg. How
many grams are in a kilogram? Figure 1.17. Salt Crystals viewed
through a microscope
1000 g = 1 kg
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 Unit Conversions 1

(See Math Toolbox 1.3)

Prefixes (Table 1.4) Mass measurements
9 9
giga- G 10 1 Gg 10 g
mega- M 10 6
1 Mg 106 g
kilo- k 10 3 1 kg 103 g
centi- c 10 2
1 cg 10 2 g
3
milli- m 10 3 1 mg 10 g
micro- μ 10 6 1 μg 10 6 g
nano- n 10 9
1 ng 10 9 g
pico- p 10 12 1 pg 10 12 g
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 Unit Conversions 2

(See Math Toolbox 1.3)

Prefixes (Table 1.4) Distance measurements
9
giga- G 10 1 Gm 109 m
mega- M 106 1 Mm 106 m
3
kilo- k 10 3
1 km 10 m
centi- c 10 2
1 cm 10 2 m
milli- m 10 3 1 mm 10 3 m
micro- μ 10 6 1 μm 10 6 m
9 9
nano- n 10 1 nm 10 m
pico- p 10 12 1 pm 10 12 m
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 Activity: Mass Unit Conversions
(See Math Toolbox 1.3)
Convert 12.0 grams to milligrams.
1000 mg
12.0 g  12, 000 mg or 1.20 104 mg
1g

Convert 12.0 grams to ounces (1 oz = 28.34 g)

1 oz
12.0 g  0.423 oz
28.34 g

Why is this number not given as 0.42 or 0.4234?

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 Significant Figures
(See Math Toolbox 1.2)
Significant Figures
• All non-zero digits are significant. (435 g)
• A zero that falls between two significant digits is
significant. (405 g; 40.5 g)
• Zeros to the right of a sig. digit and to the right of a
decimal pt. are significant. (5.00 g)
• Zeros to the left of the first significant digit are not
significant. (0.151 g; 0.00405 g)
• If a number is >1, the zeros to the right of the last
nonzero digit may or may not be significant. Use
scientific notation to specify.
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 Volume
Volume:
• amount of space a substance
occupies
• can be calculated by measuring the
sides of a cube or rectangular side,
then multiplying them

Volume = length × width × height

• Common units are centimeters
cubed (cm3), sometimes called cubic
centimeters.

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 Volume of a Cube
We can measure the volume of a cube by
measuring the length of one of its sides, and
then cubing the length. If the length of a side is
2.0 cm, what is the volume of this cube?

2.0 centimeters

Answer: 8.0 cm3

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 Volume Units
Volumes of liquids are usually measured in units
of milliliters (mL).
1 mL = 1 cm3 exactly
How many mL in 1 L?
1000 mL = 1 L

Some 250-mL,
500-mL, and 1-L
containers Figure 1.18

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 Activity: Volume Unit Conversions
Convert 25.0 mL to L.

1L
25.0 mL  0.0250 L
1000 mL

Convert 25.0 mL to quarts (1 L = 1.057 qt)

1.057 qt
0.0250 L  0.0264 qt
1L

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 Density
Density:
• the ratio of the mass to
its volume
• units are g/mL (solids
and liquids) or g/L
(gases)
• See Table 1.6 for a listing
of densities for common
substances Figure 1.19

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©Richard Megna/Fundamental Photographs

 Densities of Common Substances

TABLE 1.6 Densities of Some Common Substances

Substance Physical State Density (g/mL)
helium gas 0.000178
oxygen gas 0.00143
cooking oil liquid 0.92
water liquid 1.00
mercury liquid 13.6
gold solid 19.3
copper solid 8.92
zinc solid 7.14
ice solid 0.92

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 Density of a Cube
The density of a substance is the ratio of its mass to
volume:
mass
Density 
volume

If the mass of a cube with an edge length of 2.0 cm is

11.2 grams, what is its density?

2.0 centimeters 11.2 g 3

1.4 g cm
8.0 cm 3

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 Densities of Various Liquids
This cylinder contains:
• Antifreeze
• Corn oil
• Dish detergent
• Maple syrup
• Shampoo
• Water

Which layer is which?

Figure 1.19
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 Density of a Person
Compare the density of the Dead Sea water and
of the person.

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© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education © Jim Birk
 The cube of gold has a greater mass than
that of aluminum. Which cube has the
greater density? Gold

Figure 1.20

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 Given that these samples of metals have
the same mass, which has the greater
density? Gold

Figure from p. 19
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 Density = mass/volume
Which is more dense,
regular soda or diet
soda? Why?
Regular soda

Figure from p. 19

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What is less dense, liquid water or ice?
Why?

Figure from Example 1.8, p. 21

Ice water
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 Temperature
Temperature:
• a measure of how hot or cold something is relative to some
standard
• is measured with a thermometer
• units used in science are degrees Celsius (°C) and kelvins (K)

Figure 1.22
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 Temperature Scales
TK T C  273.15

T F 1.8 T C   32
Boiling Point of Water:
• 212°F, 100°C, 373.15 K
Freezing Point of Water:
• 32°F, 0°C, 273.15 K
Lowest Possible Temperature:
• −460°F, −273.15°C, 0.00 K
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 Physical Changes 1

A physical change is a process that changes the

physical properties of a substance without
changing its chemical composition.
Changes in physical state are physical changes.

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 Physical Changes 2

Evidence of a physical
change includes:
• a change of state
• Example: water
changes from a solid to
a gas

• an expected change in
color

Figure 1.24

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 Vaporization or Evaporation

Figure 1.23
Jump to long description
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 Activity: Sublimation of Dry Ice (CO2)

CO2(s) → CO2(g)

Draw a molecular-level
representation for the
sublimation of CO2.

Figure 1.13
Before After
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©Charles D. Winters/Science Source
 Physical State Transitions
(know these)

Figure 1.24
Jump to long description
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 Chemical Changes 1

A chemical change is a process where one or

more substances are converted into one or more
new substances. (Also called a chemical
reaction.)

Examples:
• Pennies tarnishing
• Burning gasoline
• The reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water
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 Chemical Changes 2

A chemical change
• is a process in which
one or more substances
are converted into one
or more new substances
Evidence of a chemical
change includes:
Figure 1.25
• bubbling
• a permanent color change
• a sudden change in temperature

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 Is Boiling Water a Chemical
or Physical Change?

Answer:
Physical change

Figure 1.27B
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 Activity: Physical and Chemical
Changes 1

Answer: Chemical change

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 Activity: Physical and Chemical
Changes 2

Answer: Physical change (sublimation)

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 Activity: Physical vs. Chemical Changes
Classify each of the following as a physical or
chemical change:
• Evaporation of water physical
• Burning of natural gas chemical
• Melting a metal physical
• Converting H2 and O2 to H2O chemical

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 Chemical Properties
Chemical properties are descriptions of the ability
of a substance to undergo a chemical change.
Examples:
• Hydrogen burns easily with oxygen
• Helium is unreactive
• Iron rusts
• Silver tarnishes
• Gold is very unreactive
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 1.3 Energy and Energy Changes
Energy
• is the capacity to do work or to transfer heat

Two main forms of energy are:

• Kinetic energy: the energy of motion
• Potential energy: energy possessed by an object
because of its position
• Other energies are forms of kinetic and potential energy
(chemical, mechanical, electrical, heat, etc.)

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 Energy and Energy Changes
When chemical or physical changes occur, energy
changes also occur.
Some processes release energy and some require
an energy input.
Examples:
• When wood burns with oxygen, energy in the form of
heat is released.
• When ammonium nitrate dissolves in water in a cold
pack, energy in the form of heat is absorbed.
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 When hydrogen burns with oxygen,
energy in the form of heat is released.

Figure 1.28

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©Charles D. Winters

 Electricity is used to
decompose water into its elements.

Figure 1.2
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©McGraw-Hill Education/Stephen Frisch
 Electrical energy is used to run
electric vehicles.

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education ©Steven M. Marks

 Energy
Kinetic energy – energy of motion
• The kinetic energy of a sample will increase as
temperature is increased.
Potential energy – energy possessed by an
object because of its position; stored energy
• As a ball is raised up in the air, its potential energy
increases.
• Very reactive substances have high potential energy.

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 Kinetic and Potential Energy

Figure 1.29

Jump to long description

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 Which pair of molecules has more
kinetic energy?

Figure from p. 52

Answer: Image A
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 1.4 Scientific Inquiry
The scientific method is an approach to asking
questions and seeking answers that employs a
variety of tools, techniques, and strategies
The method generally includes observations,
hypotheses, laws, and theories.

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 The Scientific Method 1

Observations include:
• experimentation
• collection of data

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for the

properties or behavior of matter that accounts for a set
of observations and can be tested.
A scientific law describes the way nature operates
under a specified set of conditions.
Theories explain why observations, hypotheses, or laws
apply under many different circumstances.
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 The Scientific Method 2

Figure 1.32

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Chapter 1 Math Toolboxes : 2

1.1 Scientific Notation

• Also called exponential notation
1.2 Significant Figures
1.3 Units and Conversions

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 Math Toolbox 1.1
Scientific Notation
A number written in scientific notation is expressed as:
C 10n
where C is the coefficient (a number equal to or greater
than 1 and less than 10) and n is the exponent (a positive
or negative integer)
• C is obtained by moving the decimal point to immediate
right of the leftmost nonzero digit in the number
• n is equal to the number of places moved to obtain C
• If the decimal point is moved to the left, then n is positive.
• If the decimal point is moved to the right, then n is negative.
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 Scientific Notation
Math Toolbox 1.1 1

Normal Notation Direction Decimal Scientific Notation

Moved
3245 Left 3.245 103
0.000003245 Right 6
3.245 10
3,245,000,000 Left 3.245 109
0.0050607 Right 5.0607 10 3
88 Left 8.8 10 1

2.45 Neither 2.45 100

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 Activity: Math Toolbox 1.1
Convert the values shown in decimal form to
scientific notation.
Decimal Notation Scientific Notation
9,000,000,655.00 9.00000065500 109
0.00000834 8.34 10 6
1.21 1.21 10 0

14.82 1.482 10 1

299,800,000 2.99800000 108

63 6.3 101
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 Scientific Notation
Math Toolbox 1.1 2

You will use your calculator to perform mathematical

operations in chemistry. Use these simple rules for
mathematical operations involving exponents to
confirm that your answer makes sense.
Three operations are most common:
• Multiplication
  
4.0 106 1.5 10 3 4.0 1.5 106 3
6.0 103
When multiplying numbers in scientific notation,
multiply the coefficients and add the exponents.
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 Scientific Notation
Math Toolbox 1.1 3

• Division

 4.0 10 2  
2.0 103 4.0 2.0 10 2 3 2.0 10  5
When dividing numbers in scientific notation, divide the
coefficients and subtract the exponents.
• Raising the exponent to a power

 3.0 10 
4 2
3.0 10 42 9.0 108
2

When raising numbers in scientific notation to a power,

raise the coefficient to that power, then multiply the
exponents.
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 Activity Solutions: Math Toolbox 1.1
Multiplication and Division of Exponents

1. 6.78 10 5.55 10   3.76 10
3 4 0

2. 2.99 10  4.03 10   7.42 10

9 6 4

3. 7 10  
3 4
 2 1015

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 Math Toolbox 1.2
Precision vs. Accuracy
The precision of a measured number is
• the extent of the agreement between repeated
measurements of its value.
• If repeated measurements are close in value, then
the number is precise, but not necessarily accurate.
Accuracy is
• the difference between the value of a measured
number and its expected or correct value.
• The number is accurate if it is close to its true value.

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 Precision vs. Accuracy
Math Toolbox 1.2

Figures from p. 37

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 Significant Figures
Math Toolbox 1.2 1

We need rules to determine the number of

significant figures in a given measurement.
1. All nonzero digits are significant.
Ex. 9.876 cm (4 significant figures)
2. Zeros to the left of the leftmost nonzero digit (often
called leading zeros) are not significant.
Ex. 0.009876 cm (4 significant figures)

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 Significant Figures
Math Toolbox 1.2 2

We need rules to determine the number of

significant figures in a given measurement.
3. Zeros to the right of the rightmost nonzero digit
(typically called trailing zeros) are significant.
Ex. 9876.000 cm (7 significant figures)
• Note: a decimal point is mandatory for #3 to be
true. Otherwise the number of significant figures
is ambiguous.
Ex. 98,760 cm (?? significant figures)
4. Zeros between two nonzero digits are significant.
Ex. 9.800076 cm (7 significant figures)
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Activity: Significant Figures 1

Determine the number of significant figures in

each of the following values.
Given number # of significant digits
26 2
19628.00 7
0.003416 4
9 × 1019 1
1.2407661 × 10−2 8
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Significant Figures
Math Toolbox 1.2 3

When performing a calculation, your final answer must reflect the

number of significant figures in the least accurate (most uncertain)
measurement.
The least accurate measurement is expressed differently
depending on the mathematical operation you are performing.
• Multiplication and Division
234.506 cm
4455.9 cm
 0.12 cm
1.3 105 cm
The least accurate measurement in a multiplication or division
problem is the one with the smallest number of significant digits
overall. Therefore, because the 3rd measurement has 2 significant
digits overall, the final answer must have 2 significant digits overall.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Significant Figures
Math Toolbox 1.2 4

When performing a calculation, your final answer must reflect

the number of significant figures in the least accurate (most
uncertain) measurement.
• Addition and Subtraction
234.506 cm
0.12 cm
 4455.9 cm
4690.526 cm
The least accurate measurement in an addition or subtraction
problem is the one with the smallest number of significant
figures to the right of the decimal point. Therefore, because the
3rd measurement has 1 significant digit to the right of the
decimal point, the answer must have 1 significant digit to the
right of the decimal point.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Activity: Significant Figures 2

Calculate the following:

 2
1. 14.66.8  12.2  1.500000 10  176.9 
2.
5.5 10 4 10   3 10
8 10
 43
45
6.65 10

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education

 Math Toolbox 1.3
Units and Conversions 1

Unit Symbol Quantity Measurement

meter m length • is the determination of

the size of a particular
kilogram kg mass quantity
second s time • Measurements are
defined by both a quantity
ampere A electric (number) and unit.
current
• Most scientists use SI
kelvin K temperature (from the French for
Système Internationale)
mole mol amount of units (see top chart or
substance
chart on pg. 41).
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Math Toolbox 1.3
Units and Conversions 2

Prefix Factor Symbol Scientists also use the

giga 109 G metric system to
mega 106 M
define base units of
measure, with the
kilo 103 k
understanding that a
deci 10−1 d
special prefix denotes
centi 10−2 c fractions or multiples
milli 10−3 m of that base (see chart
micro 10−6 μ on left or on p. 41).
nano 10−9 n
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Dimensional Analysis 1

A possible approach to problem solving involves

4 steps:
1. Decide what the problem is asking for.
2. Decide what relationships exist between the
information given in the problem and the desired
quantity.
3. Set up the problem logically, using the relationships
decided upon in step 2.
4. Check the answer to make sure it makes sense,
both in magnitude and units.
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Dimensional Analysis 2

Figure from p. 43

Jump to long description

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Activity: Dimensional Analysis
1. How many inches are in 2 kilometers?
[1 in = 2.54 cm; 100 cm = 1 m; 1000 m = 1 km]
2. What is the volume in cubic centimeters of a
14 lb block of gold?
[1 lb = 453.6 g; densityAu = 19.3 g/cm3]
3. Dan regularly runs a 5-minute mile. How fast
is Dan running in feet per second?
[1 min = 60 s; 1 mile = 1760 yds; 1 yd = 3 ft]
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education
 Activity Solutions: Dimensional Analysis 1

1. How many inches are in 2 kilometers?

[1 in = 2.54 cm; 100 cm = 1 m; 1000 m = 1 km]
First, decide what the problem is asking for: inches.

Next, decide what relationships could be used to get to

the desired quantity. In this case, the relationships that
may be useful are provided in brackets.

1000 m 100 cm 1 in
2 km    8 104 in
1 km 1 m 2.54 cm

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education

 Activity Solutions: Dimensional Analysis 2

2. What is the volume in cubic centimeters of a 14 lb block

of gold?
[1 lb = 453.6 g; densityAu = 19.3 g/cm3]
First, decide what the problem is asking for: volume.

Next, decide what relationships could be used to get to

the desired quantity. In this case, the relationships that
may be useful are provided in brackets.

453.6 g 1 cm3
14 lb   3.3 102 cm3
1 lb 19.3 g

© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education

 Activity Solutions: Dimensional Analysis 3

3. Dan regularly runs a 5-minute mile. How fast is Dan

running in feet per second?
[1 min = 60 s; 1 mile = 1760 yds; 1 yd = 3 ft]
First, decide what the problem is asking for: feet per
second.

Next, decide what relationships could be used to get to

the desired quantity. In this case, the relationships that
may be useful are provided in brackets.

1 mile 1 min 1760 yd 3 ft

   2 101 ft s
5 min 60s 1 mile 1 yd
© 2019 McGraw-Hill Education